ONLY CHRIST CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

”What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him” (John 2: 11 NIV)
An African commentator once stated the following about the popular event in the 2nd chapter of the gospel account according to John. “It is not uncommon to see drunken people staggering along the road in many parts of Africa despite the risk of being hit by a car. When told that drinking will ruin them, so many of them quickly reply ‘Jesus made wine in Cana!’ This is a statement of fact. However, the message of the Passage is more than turning water into wine. It is all about the difference Christ can make in any situation.
Weddings were momentous events in the village culture of Palestine. They are always usually planned well in advance since the entire village would attend. At times, they were the major celebrations enjoyed in the year which also provide the imagery for messianic celebration and joy. In fact, whenever Jews reflected on what heaven or the arrival of the Messiah would be like, they thought about banquets especially wedding banquets. Elaborate preparations are often made for such banquets which could last for as long as a week (Judges 14:12).

This analysis gives us an interesting picture of wedding banquets but also more importantly an insight  into the concerns of the servants when the feast suddenly ran out of wine.  It may not be far from the truth that questions such as “Who arranged for the insufficient wine? Or why did you not book for extra bottles? Or statements such as “whoever is responsible for this embarrassment shall be dealt with” – came up. One can only imagine the state of  mind of the host as a result of the unexpected embarrassing situation. Every one of them was troubled except Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Mary acknowledged that Jesus could solve the problem and approached Him with the tone of mother to  a son. But Jesus responded in an official tone “woman,…  My time has not yet come”. She did not take offence at this; instead she still acknowledged that He could solve the problem thus made sure the servants were well informed to obey Jesus. She said to them, in verse 5, “Whatever He says to you, do it”.  This unlocked the door to merriment and closed the door of shame at the gathering. The hosts and their family were not just saved form embarrassment; they were amazed at the quality of the new wine.
This event proves that Christ is always available to rescue man when all human attempts have failed.
There are issues, situations and conditions of men that the world had tagged impossible. Beloved, Christ the Messiah delights in turning such around so that the world might know that He is not a mere mortal, but One who has come that His glory might be revealed and that people might believe in Him as the One who has the key to their destinies. Christ can bring a change to whatever the situation we may be facing.

However, we must never fail to obey Him. Have you invited Jesus Christ into your life? Have you invited Him to your home, business or work place? The King of Israel was able to overcome the threats of the enemy and defeated all who had conspired to smoke him out simply by handling everything to God who rules the affairs of men (1 Kings 20: 1-29). You too can enjoy victory and peace in all spheres of your life and more at a pace that will confound your enemies and competitors this year simply by calling Jesus to every situation with the determination to obey whatever He says. As you do this faithfully this year, be assured of resounding victory on all sides.
Have  a victorious week as you do whatever He says to you.

Your brother, Vicar & Archdeacon
Igein Isemede

PRAYER FOR THE YEAR
Blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, You have revealed to us that “a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Teach us to realize that happiness in life does not depend on the measure of material things we may call our own, but on the use we, as good stewards, make of what You have committed to our care.
Grant us the grace to desire not so much an abundance of goods but rather an abundant life of service to You and to all people.  Teach us how to use Your gifts, both spiritual and material, that our life may be acceptable to You, that we may be able to continue in the abundant life through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.